Former Student Snaps Up Top Award

A former student at the University of Bolton has scooped a top national photographic award.
Phil Melia was named as one of the nation’s top lensmen in the 2020 Portrait of Britain competition.

He took his MA in International Documentary and Photojournalism Photography at the University at Bolton and has been a photographer for 25 years.

The annual contest is run by the British Journal of Photography in partnership with outdoor advertising giants JCDecaux.

It aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of Britain by turning individual stories into public art via electronic displays on bus shelters. A book of the winning photos will be published in October.

Phil’s winning portrait of Ryan Ashley, Principal Cornet Player with the Boarshurst Silver Band from Greenfield, was part of a project that Phil carried out to celebrate the band’s 165th anniversary.

Phil, who has a studio is in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, said: “This award means a lot to me.”

Much of Phil’s work is high-end advertising which has seen him on assignments throughout the UK and Europe, as well as further afield to China.

Now, though, he is looking forward to seeing his award-winning image in public much closer to home. He said: “I can’t wait to see it on a local bus shelter!”